Hear from Leslie

I've been passionate about gender equality from a very young age. I even nicknamed my room 'Queendom' because I didn’t like that kingdom has a masculine title despite it applying to both men and women.

What is one diversity program or initiative at HubSpot that makes you proud to work here, and why?

The Women@HubSpot program is really special. I’ve never worked in a company where the dedication to further women was so prevalent, so having a dedicated employee resource group to support women in every stage of their career still amazes me.

What advice do you have for people who want to help create a more inclusive environment but aren't sure where to start?

Start reflecting on situations you have felt included and if they were inclusive by nature, or if you fit in "by default" due to some sort of privilege. By acknowledging this privilege you can then start to look for ways you can include people who may not benefit from the same privilege you do. This may feel uncomfortable at the beginning. But the more you flex that muscle, the more natural it will feel. Having privilege isn’t necessarily a bad thing as long as we use that benefit to speak out and level the playing field for all.

Hear from Paul

I was born and raised in Queens, NY to an Argentinean mother and a Puerto Rican father.

Why is inclusion and belonging personally important to you?

I'm a first generation white male Latino. Throughout my life I've felt as if I have a foot in two different camps - that of privilege and that of not. It’s an interesting dichotomy and definitely eye opening to experience how people treat you differently whether they perceive you to be a white male or an immigrant/Latino. From an early age, this have driven me to fight for inclusion, because no one should feel like they don’t belong.

What is one diversity program or initiative at HubSpot that makes you proud to work here, and why?

In 2016 I helped co-found Boston Latinos in Tech. What was supposed to be a one-time event matured into a quarterly-recurring meetup, sponsored by HubSpot, which seeks to foster a conversation about the Latinx community in the Boston tech scene. The support I have received formally and informally from all sorts of folks at HubSpot has been amazing. From interns wanting to help out, to executives helping to promote the events and to source speakers.

Hear from Meghan

Every job I've ever gotten has been because someone saw something in me that wasn't yet evident on my resume. When people take a risk on you like that, it is defining. It makes you incredibly driven because you want to prove them right.

What is one diversity program or initiative at HubSpot that makes you proud to work here, and why?

Our Returner's Programme in Dublin supports experienced professionals looking to return to the workforce after an extended career break. There are a number of reasons people make the decision to leave the workforce and these decisions shouldn’t close the door to professional achievement permanently. I love that this program recognizes that potential is not a finite resource.

What advice do you have for people who want to help create a more inclusive environment but aren't sure where to start?

If you're overwhelmed by the enormity of how to change an entire culture, look to the things that you control. If you are a blogger, that could mean being more inclusive in the people you choose to profile in your content. If you are a manager, that is likely improving your recruiting, hiring and onboarding approach. Find the single highest impact thing you can move, and start there.

I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived in a few different countries and experience different cultures. It's made me appreciate the value of differing points of view.

What is one diversity program or initiative at HubSpot that makes you proud to work here, and why?

There are many, but our employee resource group ParentSpot is one that I really appreciate. Simply because I'm a parent myself and it's good that we recognize and support parents. It's never easy juggling parenthood with the pressures of work and HubSpot’s approach towards this enables us to do our best work.

What advice do you have for people who want to help create a more inclusive environment but aren't sure where to start?

I would say, first and foremost, be really open to new things. Find something you're passionate about or something that you've been impacted by. Then read up, ask questions, be authentic. Sometimes a mindset shift is the only catalyst you'll need to get the ball rolling.

Hear from Loe

Design Lead

Loe LeeDesign Lead
Remote

Meet Loe

What's one thing most people might not know about you?

I'm not actually a designer. I'm a musician and a painter in a designer's body. I wrote, produced, and released two albums and did claves and backup vocals for a 15 piece afrobeat band in Oakland, CA.

Why is inclusion and belonging personally important to you?

I was raised Jewish and on every high holiday, we'd reflect on all of the things we were lucky to have and how some folks didn't have those same things. Inclusion and belonging is about closing that gap-not just within a company but within, a city, state, country, and world. It's about creating equity by recognizing privilege.

What is one diversity program or initiative at HubSpot that makes you proud to work here, and why?

When I joined this company, I saw Ta-Nehisi Coates was the spotlight speaker at our INBOUND event. I felt overwhelmed with gratitude. Finally, a company was taking a stand by giving someone like Ta-Nehisi Coates a large stage. I cried all over my computer.

Describe a time someone or something made you feel included at work.

Shortly after I joined HubSpot, I got pregnant. I was taken aback by how supportive everyone was and especially inspired by the fathers I worked with. I then wrote a Medium post about my experience and support I received.

Hear from Chris

I'm very fortunate to be the father of four girls and married to my wife for over 30 years. Living with five women for most of my adult life has helped educate me to some of the challenges that can affect women in their day-to-day lives. I am blessed to have a close-knit family with strong values. It's these values that help shape my belief in fair opportunities for all.

What is one diversity program or initiative at HubSpot that makes you proud to work here, and why?

I love being a part of the ParentSpot program. I'm fortunate to have met so many exceptional people though this program. Some are first-time parents, some having second, third or more children. Some are adopting, some have children with special needs. The common factor is that we're all trying to do our best job as a mom, dad, aunt, uncle and employee. It can be an overwhelming task. I've found that good communication and open sharing with others who've been in similar situations is extremely helpful. These HubSpot programs that foster inclusivity and belonging make me so proud to work here and part of an organization that truly "walks the walk" on diversity, inclusion and belonging.

Hear from Ashley

People might not know that I have caribbean heritage. My mom is Jamaican and while I grew up listening to my relatives speak patois (pronounced pat-wah) and I can fully understand it, I can’t speak it!

What is one diversity program or initiative at HubSpot that makes you proud to work here, and why?

I love our Women Who Lead initiative, which is a panel discussion featuring women of color from different industries to discuss their career journeys and their advice on the best ways to support women of color in the workplace. The fact that at HubSpot we dedicate time and effort to the representation of minority voices makes me feel seen, heard and particularly proud to work at here each and every day.

Describe a time someone or something made you feel included at work.

I felt a sense of inclusion and belonging on day one, which I think is a testament to HubSpot’s culture. For me, inclusion at HubSpot begins with our people and the trust and transparency we practice each day. We aren’t afraid to talk about diversity, inclusion and belonging, what it means for the future of our company and how we can get there.

Hear from Barbara

As a female engineer I have worked in some teams and companies that weren't inclusive and I can see the difference an inclusive environment makes, not only to a someone’s personal happiness, but also to their confidence, productivity and ultimately their success.

What is one diversity program or initiative at HubSpot that makes you proud to work here, and why?

I love the Level Up program in Dublin which works with refugees in Ireland, puts them through a technical bootcamp, and partners with companies to place them in co-op positions. In order to make change, we have to think differently and try different things. This program to me is the definition of embracing something new.

Describe a time someone or something made you feel included at work.

As a mum and someone who is probably the oldest in the Dublin engineering team, I adore the support, chats and laughs that our employee resource group Slack channels provide, especially ParentSpot. Everything from breastfeeding to toddler tantrums are discussed openly. Knowing that you are not alone in whatever family/child challenge you are dealing with feels amazingly inclusive.

Hear from Quintin

As a gay man, I live a life that isn't necessarily understood or accepted. There have been times I've had to edit myself and behave in certain ways to survive. It's important to me that where I work is aware of that, because my experience in life shapes the way that I work. When I'm able to be authentic, I can work my best because I can contribute my whole fabulous self.

Describe a time someone or something made you feel included at work.

Last year there was an event thrown by the LGBTQ+ Alliance and I remember just feeling so warm and fuzzy because I hadn't invited anyone but I saw that a bunch of my coworkers showed up and were sitting front row. It just felt like I had support and I didn't even need to ask, and that just really made me appreciate them and HubSpot as a whole.

What is one diversity program or initiative at HubSpot that makes you proud to work here, and why?

Our employee resource groups are great and throw some of the best events I've ever been to. I can be having a stressful week and go to an event like Catalysts for Change and just be so moved and completely energized again.

What is one diversity program or initiative at HubSpot that makes you proud to work here, and why?

As a member of our campus recruiting team, I'm proud of the innovation we're doing around connecting with students about career opportunities outside of the traditional career fair format. Meeting students in these different settings allows us to meet so many more individuals with diverse backgrounds and interests that we would normally miss.

Describe a time someone or something made you feel included at work.

In my first few months at HubSpot, I remember a time when my manager asked me to join her in a meeting with directors, VPs and our C-level executives. I was shocked to be in a room with so many influential figures, but realized the invitation was meant to create an opportunity for me to collaborate with more HubSpot leaders. I’m thankful for the experience, which has ultimately helped me better connect my every day work to our business goals.

If I constantly feel like everyone around me is thinking (and acting) as if I don't belong or they don't know why I'm here, then it's almost impossible for me to thrive, excel or even stay in that environment for long. I would totally lose motivation to give my best to an organization that didn't value my time/work because I'm too "different from them" or don't really fit their "culture." That's why it's so important for not just me, but all employees!

What is one diversity program or initiative at HubSpot that makes you proud to work here, and why?

I love that diversity initiatives are included in our company-wide goals for 2019. It shows me that it's not just one department or group of people who care about this, but that it's important to the business. We're actively changing the recruiting process, hiring process and company culture to make HubSpot more inclusive. This shows me that we're practicing what we preach!

Hear from Melissa

I know what it feels like to be the only person in the room with a difference - whether it’s darker skin, the only woman, the only person who's LGBTQ, the only one with immigrant parents. Sometimes it's something only I notice, and sometimes you can feel the eyeballs on you. Either way, it's uncomfortable and something nobody should have to worry about. But what's great it that it's addressable through diversity and inclusion. The more people we have with varied experiences, strengths, backgrounds, identities, and ideas, the better any group, team, or company will be.

What advice do you have for people who want to help create a more inclusive environment but aren't sure where to start?

Learn from and listen to those different than you. Take the time to seek out the voices of writers, entrepreneurs, journalists, and other leaders. In person, ask your colleagues how they're doing and actively listen to their responses.

Describe a time someone or something made you feel included at work.

At Boston Pride in 2018, looking back at the sea of 150+ HubSpotters dancing through the city was something I’ll never forget. To know that these colleagues of mine were showing up to express their support for the LGBTQ+ community was overwhelming in the best way.

Hear from Kate

To me, inclusion and belonging set the foundation for employees to feel 'at home' at work. Personally, I love that I can be 'me' everyday. As a parent, my colleagues understand that my family will always come first. Whether I'm celebrating another birthday or working from home to squeeze in more family time, I'm empowered and trusted to work guilt-free where and when suits me best. I'm also lucky enough to run our ParentSpot program globally where we connect parents together, share experiences and create family experiences for everyone to enjoy.

What is one diversity program or initiative at HubSpot that makes you proud to work here, and why?

I am very proud to see HubSpot initiate the Returners Programme where carers who have been out of the workplace for two years or more are given the opportunity and support to kick-start their careers again. So many carers are faced with no choice but to give up work and remain at home to look after young or elderly family members. I always think that if I found myself in that position, the prospect of the Returners Programme would give me back hope and remind me that anything is possible. I feel it's an invaluable initiative.

Hear from Winston

Professionally, I care about working at a place where everyone can find success and have their voices be heard regardless of their background. That helps you build a better company. I've always been on a mission to provide equitable opportunities for all, in and outside of work.

What is one diversity program or initiative at HubSpot that makes you proud to work here, and why?

The events we are hosting specifically for women of color make me proud to work at HubSpot. The experience of women of color in the business world often goes unnoticed. I'm extremely proud of HubSpot giving women of color at and outside of HubSpot a voice and a place to share perspectives.

What advice do you have for people who want to help create a more inclusive environment but aren't sure where to start?

You don't need to make sweeping changes immediately. Find something small to do like attend an event, read an article, or watch a video. ""Small actions X Lots of people = Big Change"". Keep doing small things and encourage others to do the same. Change will happen over time.

Hear from Katie

I sang opera and Gilbert & Sullivan in college and wrote my senior thesis on 1950s American opera.

Why is inclusion and belonging personally important to you?

As a biracial person, I've often felt like I didn't quite fit in with either of my halves, so I empathize strongly with how hard it is to feel like you're on the outside. Additionally, as a female engineer, I know that some workplaces are better than others at including and promoting leadership in groups that are underrepresented in tech. I want to make sure everyone at HubSpot feels like they belong so that they can do their best work, feel valued, and grow their careers here.

Describe a time someone or something made you feel included at work.

A few days after joining HubSpot, I nervously showed up to a People of Color at HubSpot meeting, afraid of walking into the room alone. I needn't have worried because the crew immediately welcomed me in. I soon found those weekly meetings to be a safe, comforting space within HubSpot. I also love the People of Color at HubSpot mentoring program; I've gotten to know and learn from senior leaders at the company, and it's been invaluable to my growth, both personally and professionally.

Hear from Dave

In a 2015 cook-off among the LatAm sales team, I took the award for best carnitas.

What is one diversity program or initiative at HubSpot that makes you proud to work here, and why?

The People of Color at HubSpot (PoCAH) mentoring program is something that makes me very proud to work at HubSpot. It provides the opportunity to gain an additional perspective and a connection to someone who may have similar experiences and therefore can relate to your experience and can help you develop not only personally, but professionally.

Describe a time someone or something made you feel included at work.

Dharmesh wrote a post where he talked about his experience embracing his own diversity, and the reason why diversity, inclusion and belonging is so important to him. Hearing his deep dark thoughts on diversity showed not only his commitment to transparency, but his commitment to building a company that is inclusive of all and it made me proud to be different and included in his company’s mission.

Hear from Sibel

I’m a first generation Australian. My parents and grandparents are immigrants from Turkey. I grew up speaking English as a second language.

Why is inclusion and belonging personally important to you?

Breaking down barriers between different people is an integral part of creating an environment that is safe for everyone. Having an inclusive environment allows everyone to be their best self.

What advice do you have for people who want to help create a more inclusive environment but aren't sure where to start?

Start small. Talk to people you don't normally chat to. Be interested! Ask them about how they grew up, what their cultural background is, what their fave food is! It might not seem like much, but communication is everything!

Describe a time someone or something made you feel included at work.

We have a monthly mixer where you’re randomly matched with someone within HubSpot and I’ve been a part of the mixers since I started. I remember on my first day I didn’t know anyone, but the mixer email allowed me to connect with colleague and organize coffee. It really helped get me settled into my new position.

Hear from Jabes

My family immigrated from Guatemala to the United States when I was 8 years old, therefore I’m a product of the Boston Public Schools where I learned English.

Why is inclusion and belonging personally important to you?

I believe that when we are part of organizations or efforts that promote inclusion, we then achieve more harmony with each other to attain increased productivity, enriched perspectives and more effective and purposeful collaboration. At HubSpot, diversity is a pillar of everything we do and how we relate to one another as well as with our customers and partners in the marketplace.

Describe a time someone or something made you feel included at work.

Even before joining HubSpot, I felt the authenticity of inclusion during the interview process. I was dealing with a significant family health situation and felt that it was understandably a distraction preventing me from being my full and best self during my interviews. After sharing vulnerably a bit about the situation with a few members of the interview process, I immediately experienced HubSpot’s inclusive culture emanate with care. This honest and caring response was part of my decision to join HubSpot.

Hear from Flora

I gave a presentation at INBOUND 2018 about diversity and I'm striving to learn how to do better everyday. I also sometimes relax by watching power-washing videos - it’s surprising satisfying!

What advice do you have for people who want to help create a more inclusive environment but aren't sure where to start?

Every little action counts - whether it's including someone in a lunch, complimenting them on their presentation, or even just going out of your way to help them find a conference room. Small actions have the power to build a large impression on people so take the opportunity to make it a good impression!

Describe a time someone or something made you feel included at work.

When I joined the sales team, a couple of the more senior sales reps took the time to introduce me to the rest of the sales floor. That made a world of different to establish trust early on with the team and really made me feel like I was part of the team.

Hear from Brittany

I’ve got at least 4 unfinished novels and eventually I’ll finish one of them; it’s on my bucket list to publish a best-selling novel!

Why is inclusion and belonging personally important to you?

It’s important to me because I’ve been on the other side. Growing up, I remember the comfort of feeling accepted, and the hurt of being on the outside. I have rarely occupied spaces where I represented the majority, but I have also been lucky to have friends, coaches, and mentors who didn’t treat me as if being different was a bad thing. I want to make sure that no one has to feel ashamed of what makes them unique.

Describe a time someone or something made you feel included at work.

Within my first few months, some of our executives came up to our Portsmouth office for an event. I remember asking a question in the panel, and our Chief People Officer Katie Burke coming up to chat with me about it afterwards. The next time I was at HQ, I saw Katie and she remembered my name and picked up the conversation we had. I was shocked. She helped me feel seen and recognize what I can bring to the table.

Hear from Gregory

I was in a Ribena (currant flavored soft drink) commercial in Singapore.

What advice do you have for people who want to help create a more inclusive environment but aren't sure where to start?

Make an effort to befriend people that are different from you, in ALL the ways that people can be different from you. You'll start to understand better where people are coming from. From there, inclusion becomes much easier.

Describe a time someone or something made you feel included at work.

When I came for my in-person interview, it was Pride Month, and there were mini-rainbow flags all over the office. It made me feel 100x more comfortable, and I knew this was where I wanted to be.

What is one diversity program or initiative at HubSpot that makes you proud to work here, and why?

We do a "I Bet You Didn't Know" video series internally featuring nuances about our global offices. It helps introduce the rest of the company to the culture and people of our APAC offices, and it kick started some great conversations about how we can work together better.

Hear from Akiko

I was a dancer who performed at multiple stages annually. I also performed in Oregon during my university years and enjoyed salsa while studying abroad in Mexico.

Why is inclusion and belonging personally important to you?

To me, inclusion means trust and understanding. When people feel comfortable, they are able to do their best work. While our Japanese team views diversity differently in terms of ethnicity and race, it is important for us to create a safe environment where people feel accepted and respected regardless of their beliefs, sexual orientations, perspective and so on.

We grow better together.

Building an inclusive environment is a team effort. Our programs, employee-led resources groups, and events are open to all. Here are just a few we think you'll love.

Women@HubSpot

Women@HubSpot implements initiatives and programming that empower women in tech and support women’s professional development through trainings, workshops, networking events, discussions with female leaders, and more. Our favorite day of the year? International Women's Day.

POCaH

POCaH’s (People of Color at HubSpot) mission is to create a culture that empowers employees of color by creating safe spaces, providing resources for career development, and offering educational opportunities to the HubSpot community. The programs POCaH runs, like Black Excellence events, mentorship programs, and field trips to local museums, help us all learn and grow together.

ParentSpot

We want to create a remarkable experience for parents (and soon to be parents) at HubSpot. This employee resource group is dedicated to just that by managing programs, perks, and a community for families. ParentSpot offers passes to zoos and children’s museums, creates content and resources, organizes our favorite time of the year, Bring Your Kids to Work Day, and much more.

LGBTQ+ Alliance

Pride isn’t just one month or one parade at HubSpot, it’s something we celebrate year round. The LGBTQ+ Alliance is a global committee of employees who are passionate about creating inclusive spaces for employees and people in our community who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer. Check out the Pride webpage to learn more.

Allyship

‘Ally’ is a verb, not a noun. We encourage employees to show up and support diversity initiatives at HubSpot, and to think about how they personally can create a more inclusive environment. Being a strong ally starts with a combination of self-awareness and empathy. That’s why programs like Allyship Month, where we curate weekly content on key diversity topics and host panels about ‘What Makes a Good Ally?’ help us all be vulnerable together.

How we measure up.

We aren’t perfect. We aspire to be a more inclusive company than we are today. That’s why we measure our progress, and publish the results to hold ourselves accountable.